Wigan Council approves £32m Golborne railway station plans

Plans for a new £32 million railway station in Golborne have advanced following Wigan Council's approval of the planning application and the appointment of local engineering firm Murphy to design the station. The project will reconnect Golborne to the rail network for the first time in over 60 years, as part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, aiming for a fully-integrated transport system by 2028. The station will feature step-free access, improved walking and cycling links, real-time information screens, and a refurbished town centre car park, with an hourly train service proposed between Wigan, Manchester Victoria, and Stalybridge. Community support has been strong, with public consultation showing overwhelming approval and local officials emphasizing the project's potential to ease congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic growth. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the first trains anticipated by 2027, pending final government approval. The initiative is also seen as a victory for local campaigners and a boost for community wealth building by involving a Golborne-based firm in the development.